CELEBRATING MY TOP 10 PUBLIC INTELLECTUALS AND PERSONS OF 2014 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hurray, it is almost the end of the year and what a wonderful one it has been for public policy discourse on social media! My first post on 6 March 2014 celebrating some of the fine brains who have decided to use their social media platforms to engage the masses in a bid to shape public policy discourse and dialogue on Ghana and Afro-centred issues generated a lot of interest. Some commenters offered ideas on how to improve subsequent rankings such as disaggregating true “public intellectuals” — professional class who need to be weighted more for originality of output – than the non-professional posters. I dare say that is a Herculean task to accomplish given the possibility of non-professionally classifying some of the posts by these public intellectuals. So for simplicity, I would like to bunch all of them together once again. One thing that excites me is that thanks to social media and various other technologies, a critical mass of Ghanaians is gradually forming, and this to me, will become a potent force for change in the coming years. My analysis of the top 10 leading public intellectuals and persons shaping public policy discussions in Ghana through social media according is based on observations of the over 2,000 plus friends on my list and may therefore not be entirely conclusive. The selection was conducted based on their use of public posts and online engagements to educate and/or inspire the masses. Assessment was benchmarked and scored on the following criteria: (1) Quality and sources of posts (30%); (2) Originality of analysis (50%) and (3) General engagement of the readership base (20%) via quality of comments and feedback. Here we go with the list in no particular order or preference: 1. Bright Simons: “The Jack of All Trades”. Any wonder his parents christened him Bright? Bright’s posts span anthropology, sociology, technology and innovation to economics and finance. He’s a leading innovator, entrepreneur [mPedigree] and a member of the leading Think Tank, IMANI Ghana. 2. Franklin Cudjoe: As one of the leading advocates of public engagements in Ghana, Franklin’s posts cover public policy making in Ghana. Areas cover mainly in economics, education and other social issues. He is the CEO of IMANI-Ghana, a leading policy Think-Tank. 3. H Kwasi Prempeh: Straight talking Prof H Kwasi Prempeh brings unique insights and jurisprudential perspectives into public policy and political economy in Ghana. Posts encompass a broad spectrum of social issues. 4. Kojo Anan Ankomah: Lawyer Ace Kojo Ankomah is no stranger to public policy advocacy and activism. His posts cover general socioeconomic and legal issues. 5. Lloyd Amoah: Lloyd, a senior Afro-China analyst and public policy expert runs commentary that spans statecraft and the interactions of actors within Ghana’s the political economy and wider world. In addition, he brings to bear pre and post colonial historical insights on contemporary Ghanaian politics. 6. Kathleen Addy: A communications person and activist, Kathy epitomizes the new class of socially conscious Ghanaians who wouldn’t kowtow to the interests of our vampire political elites. She and others were instrumental in the #OccupyFlagStaffHouse march earlier this year to protest against the rising cost of living among others. 7. Kwaku Azar: Although relatively new to social media, Prof Kweku Asare [aka Kweku Azar] remains a household name when it comes to raising critical social issues especially those that touch on constitutional and jurisprudential perspectives. 8. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu: Kwames weekly op-ed postings remain a must read for anyone interested in the dynamics shaping political decision making in Ghana. Although a pharmacist by training, Kwame has provided some interesting perspectives on what is needed to advance the general wellbeing and welfare of Ghanaians. He proves that you needn’t be an economist, finance guru or lawyer to comment on social issues. 9. Marricke Kofi Gane: Marricke is a forensic accountant (accounting BNI/CIA officer), motivational speaker and author. His postings generally cover topics such as personal branding and youth empowerment. 10. John OK: As a political scientist, Prof John Osae-Kwapong continues to impress me with his use of statistical techniques and charts to educate on Ghana’s political economy. His Research Methods Friday (RMF) posts are generally not to be missed. The following people deserve an honorable mention as well: Evron Hughes, Kwame Kyei-baffour, Kobina Nyanteh, Manasseh Azure Awuni, Golda Naa Adaku Addo, Kate Nkansa-Dwamena, Kwamena Essilfie Adjaye, Ogya Esi, and Samson Lardy Full document: https://dropbox/s/h8a6hgc27fqzoi1/Top%2010%20Public%20Intellectuals%20and%20Persons.pdf?dl=0 NB: I take sole responsibility for authorship of this list.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 10:31:11 +0000